10 assistive technology Apple and Android apps

These apps can help special needs students thrive in a higher education setting

Copyright: 1000 Words/Shutterstock

As the higher education landscape changes to one more suited to serving the diverse needs of students, part of that responsibility is in helping find resources that can assist special needs students in navigating curriculum, course management and communication.

Some of the more common concerns students with special needs face, such as text-to-speech functionality, organization and scheduling, and communicating with faculty and admin their needs or questions, now have apps available for Apple products—and many times, Android—to help with those concerns. Many have been vetted specifically by educators or students with special needs.

For example, students who have difficulty writing due to disabilities can benefit from the free Dragon Dictation app; or if a visual disability makes using a calculator difficult, the Talking Calculator app could become an ideal solution.

Other apps include those needed for studying, scheduling and visual communication. Though many apps are either free or relatively low-cost, some are on the expensive side; however, the most expensive app is also the most comprehensive, so be sure to check it out anyway.

Know of any assistive technology apps for students either entering or in higher education? Have you tried any of these apps? Leave your comments in the section provided below, email me at mstansbury@ecampusnews.com, or find me @eSN_Meris on Twitter.